American Textile Company, a provider of innovative sleep solutions since 1925, began construction on an expanded manufacturing center and distribution facility in Tifton, Georgia. The expansion project will bring its total space to over 400,000 square feet and double the workforce over the next five years.

Just three years after opening with 100 employees, American Textile Company is growing well ahead of plan at its Tifton operation, the company said. “It is one of four U.S. plants for the company, in addition to operations in China and El Salvador. Tifton's strategic location 180 miles south of Atlanta provides efficient access to key regional and national customers.”

The Tifton facility produces and distributes millions of bed pillows annually. Consumer demand for the company's growing portfolio of specialty bedding products has enabled American Textile to grow by about 15 percent annually, the company said. Originally, the company projected to have 120 employees in the Tifton plant by 2016. It has exceeded those projections by 40 percent—two years early—and will employ 200 workers when the expansion is complete.

"Our expansion so soon after opening is fueled in part by consumer demand for our AllerEase allergen barrier and EvenTemp temperature regulation bedding products, but also by the positive business climate we've seen in Tifton," said Lance Ruttenberg, President and CEO of Pennsylvania-based American Textile. "Access to a skilled workforce and strong county support were key factors in choosing to expand here," he added.

"American Textile has been an outstanding partner in our community and we are excited about the news of their expansion," said Brian Marlowe, Chairman of the Tifton-Tift County Development Authority. "Whenever an existing industry decides to expand, it represents a commitment to our area and an acknowledgement that we're doing the right things here to promote growth and success."

Company CEO Lance Ruttenberg said, "Tifton has been an integral part of our growth but perhaps most importantly, we enjoy doing business here," said Ruttenberg. "Tifton is a southern home for us now. It's a great place to make investments that create jobs and contribute to the quality of life in the community. The hospitality, friendliness and charm complement the business dynamics."